Latching means for cartons

ABSTRACT

This disclosure relates to a novel carton which includes cooperative latching means, each of which consists of primary and secondary latching tabs and associated aperture means. The aperture means include an edge having opposite ends between which is a shoulder in alignment with a nose of a secondary latching tab such that the nose is in overlying relationship to the shoulder and prevents inadvertent or accidental unlatching thereof. A primary latching tab is also longitudinally offset from the secondary latching tab and the associated aperture means to effect reinforcement of the carton.

i [451 Apr. 11, 1972 [54] LATCHING MEANS FOR CARTONS 3,348,672 10/1967 Brown ..229/40 x [72] Inventor: Arthur J. W ei SS, Boca Raton, Fla 3,432,029 3/1969 Brown 229/40 X [73] Assignee: Continental Can Company, Inc., New Primary Examiner-Donald F. Norton York, Attorney-Diner, Brown, Ramik & Holt 22 '1 Fl ed :un;12,1970 ABSTRACT 21 A .N 5 31 1 1 PP O i This disclosure relates to a novel carton which includes cooperative latching means, each of which consists of primary U-S; and econdary latching [abs and associated aperture means [511 Int-Cl W365! 5/04 The aperture means include an edge having opposite ends [58] Field of Search ..229/40; 206/65 C, 65 E between which is a shoulder in alignment with a nose f a secondary latching tab such that the nose is in overlying rela- [56] References and tionship to the shoulder and prevents inadvertent or ac- UNITED STATES PATENTS cidental unlatching thereof. A primary latching tab is also longitudinally offset from the secondary latching tab and the as- 3,361,33 1 1/1968 815? sociated aperture means to effect reinforcement of the carton, 3,014,636 12/1961 Fielding ..229/40 UX 3,397,776 8/1968 Weiss ..229/40 X 27 Claims, 6 Drawing Figures Patented April 11, 1972 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 IFIGJ.

Ham!!! \NVENTDQ. QQTHUR J. mass 7? 4 m1 OIZNEYS Patented A ril 11 1972 3,655,117

2 Sheets-Sheet 2 mvemoR NZTHUR Q. LUHSS ATTOQMEYS LATCI-IING MEANS FOR CARTONS A primary object of this invention is to provide a novel carton of a generally tubular configuration which includes latching means in the form of primary and secondary latching tabs carried by an outer one of a pair of end panels and aperture means in an inner one of another end panel, the secondary latching tab projecting through the aperture means of the inner end panel, the aperture means including edge means having opposite ends, a shoulder between the opposite ends, and the secondary latching tab having a slot defining a nose internally of the carton body in overlying relationship with the shoulder whereby the nose is precluded from being withdrawn outwardly of the aperture means.

Another object of this invention is to provide a novel carton of the type heretofore described wherein cooperative means are provided between the secondary latching means and the aperture means for preventing movement of the nose to a position beyond its overlying relationship to the shoulder thereby preventing inadvertent disengagement of the nose and shoulder.

A further object of this invention is to provide a novel carton of the type described wherein the aperture means includes a latching edge in alignment with the primary latching tab, and the latching edge and the primary latching tab are in transversely offset relationship with respect to the secondary latching tab whereby an unweakened area of the inner end panel inboard of the aperture means is provided for reinforcing the inner panel when the latching means are in the latched position thereof.

With the above and other objects in view that will hereinafter appear, the nature of the invention will be more clearly understood by reference to the following detailed description, the appended claimed subject matter, and the several views illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a blank from which a novel carton of this invention is constructed, and illustrates three pairs of cooperative latching means.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a carton formed from the blank of FIG. 1 with a portion thereof broken away for clarity, and illustrates the latching means in the latched position thereof.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view taken generally along line 3-3 of FIG. 2, and more clearly illustrates the latched condition of the carton and particularly the nose of a secondary latching tab in overlying relationship to an associated shoulder of an inner end or bottom panel to prevent disengagement of the cooperative latching means.

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary top plan view of a first of the pair of latching means, and illustrates the same prior to being latched as shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a view similar to FIG. 4 but illustrating another pair of the latching means.

FIG. 6 is a view similar to FIGS. 4 and 5, but illustrates the remaining one of the pair of latching members.

Referring first to FIG. 1 of the drawings, a novel blank constructed in accordance with this invention is generally designated by the reference numeral 10 and includes a sheet material member of a generally rectangular outline defined by a pair of longitudinal edges 11, 12, a transverse edge 13, and an irregularly shaped transverse edge 14.

Central of the blank 10 a pair of transverse parallel fold lines 15, 16 cooperate with portions of the longitudinal edges 11, 12 to define a top panel 17.

A side panel 18 is joined to the top panel 17 along the fold line and is set off by the fold line 15, portions of the longitudinal edges 11, 12, and a fold line 20.

Likewise, another side panel 21 is joined to the top panel 17 by the fold line 16 and is set off by portions of the longitudinal edges 11, 12, the fold line 16, and an interrupted fold line 22.

A first or inner end or bottom panel 23 is joined to the side panel 21 by the interrupted fold line 22, and is defined by the interrupted fold line 22, portions of the longitudinal edges 11, 12, and the transverse edge 13.

A second or outer end or bottom panel 24 is joined to the side panel 18 by the fold line 20 and is defined by the fold line 20, portions of the longitudinal edges 11, 12 and the irregular transverse edge 14.

The blank 10 includes three pairs of cooperative latching means which are generally designated by the reference numerals 31 through 33 which are formed in the panels 23, 24, as is best illustrated in FIGS. 4 through 6 of the drawings.

The first pair of latching means 31 include a primary latching tab 34 defined by a transverse severance line 35 having ends 36, 37 diverging away from each other in a direction toward the irregular edge 14. The ends 36, 37 terminate at an interrupted fold line 38.

The latching means 31 further includes a secondary latching tab 41) joined by a fold line 41 to a portion of the panel 24. A pair of oppositely transversely opening slots 42, 43 define noses 44, 45, respectively, having edges 46, 47, respectively, which function in a manner to be described more fully hereinafter. The portion of the latching means 31 formed in general by the panel 23 includes aperture means generally designated by the reference numeral 50. The aperture means is defined by a cut line or edge having a transverse portion 51, opposite angular portions 52, 53 converging toward each other in a direction toward the edge 13, and a pair of transverse portions 54, 55. The aperture 50 further includes an edge 56 parallel to the transverse edge 13, an edge 57 substantially normal thereto, and an edge 53 with the last-mentioned two edges and the portion 51 defining an opening 61).

Of major importance is the fact that the edge portions 52, 54 define a shoulder 61 (FIG. 4) while the edge portions 53, define a shoulder 62.

Reference is now specifically made to FIG. 4 of the drawings which illustrates a longitudinal center line C/L which bisects the edge 51-55 and the secondary latching tab 40. Thus, when the carton 10 is folded to form the tubular carton illustrated in FIG. 2, the secondary latching means 40 is directed through the slit defined by the now open edge 51-55, and when fully inserted (FIG. 3) the edges 46, 47 are in overlying relationship to the shoulders 61, 62, respectively, as is best illustrated in FIG. 3 and is further indicated by the dashed broken line X in FIG. 4. Any effort to withdraw the latch 40 from this position results in the edges 46, 47 gearing downwardly upon the shoulders 61, 62 whereby the latter prevent inadvertent unlatching.

The primary latching tab 34 is, of course, inserted through the opening and overlies the edge 56 (FIG. 3) in a conventional manner. However, it is to be particularly noted that the primary latching tab 34 is not bisected by the center line C/L or stated another way, the primary latching tab 34 is transversely offset toward the longitudinal edge 11 (FIG. 1). Referring particularly to FIGS. 3 and 4, this offsetting of the primary latching tab, as well as the edge 56, results in the formation of an area A which is cross-hatched for illustration that is not in any way weakened by, for example, the extension of the edge portion 54 beyond that illustrated. In other words, opposite forces F1, F2 (FIG. 3) tending to separate the latched panels 23, 24 would act across the unscored area A and the latter thereby serves to reinforce the bottom structure in the latched position of the carton. In addition, it will be noted that as opposed to the edge 56 being in alignment or being bisected by the center line C/L the offsetting heretofore described further increases the transverse length of the effective latching area which is the sum total of the distance between the ends 54, 55 plus that portion of the edge 56 above the upper line D1.

Turning now to FIGS. 1, 3 and- 5 of the drawings, the latching means 32 likewise includes a secondary latching tab 65 provided with oppositely transversely opening slots 66, 67

defining noses 68, 69 having respective lower edges 71), 71.

In addition, the cooperative latching means 32 further includes aperture means 72 defined by a transverse edge 73, opposite inclined edges 74, 75, opposite aligned transverse edge portions 76, 77, and opposite end edges 78, 79 converging toward each other in a direction away from the transverse edge 13. Additionally, the aperture means is lastly defined by a generally arcuate edge (unnumbered).

It is to be noted that opposed to the construction of the latching means 31, 33, latching means 32 is devoid of a primary latching tab. However, the interrupted fold line 22 defines with each of the end edges 78, 79, respective shoulders 80, 81. Thus, in the same manner as that heretofore described with respect to the latching means 31, the secondary latching tab 65 is introduced through the opening 72 which, of course, is transversely smaller than the dimension D3 of the latching tab 65. Thus, the slit 73-79, which is of an identical length D3, functions to permit the latching tab 65 to be directed into the carton to a position at which the edges 70, 71 overlie the shoulders 80, 81, respectively, in the manner best illustrated in FIG. 3 of the drawings. In this manner any downward force applied to the bottom panel 24 brings the edges 70, 71 into bearing engagement with the shoulders 80, 8t, and the latter prevent the withdrawal of the latching head 65.

Though the cooperative latching means 32 has been described in the absence of any primary latching tab, it is to be understood that such could be provided in much the same manner as in the case of the cooperative latching means 31 and, of course, the aperture means 72 would be appropriately contoured.

Referring now to FIG. 6 of the drawings, the cooperative latching means 33 includes a secondary latching tab 95 having a single transversely opening slot 96 forming a nose 82 having a lowermost edge 83. Opposite the nose 82 is a longitudinal edge 84 which functions in a manner to be described more fully hereinafter. As in the case of the cooperative latching means 31, the cooperative latching means 33 further includes a primary latching tab 85 which is transversely offset from the secondary latching tab 95 and aperture means 86 of the end panel 23.

The aperture means 86 includes an edge 87 generally parallel to the transverse edge 13, angular edges 88, 89, and another edge 90 which includes a generally horizontal portion 91, a pair of converging edge portions 92, 93 at one end, and an edge 97 at the opposite end which is generally normal to the fold line 22. The edge 93 defines with a portion of the fold line 22 a shoulder 94 which is in alignment with the nose 82 of the secondary latching tab 95, such that upon the insertion of the tab 95 into the aperture means 86, the edge 83 overlies the shoulder 94 and is precluded from being withdrawn therefrom by the contact between the edge 83 and the shoulder 94. Furthermore, as is best illustrated in FIG. 3, movement of the latching tab 95 upwardly is prevented due to the contact between the edges 84, 94 and the latter thereby prevent the nose 82 from moving out of its normal position (FIG. 3) in overlying relationship to the shoulder 94 thus preventing the unlatching of the latching means 33.

While preferred forms and arrangements of parts have been shown in illustrating the invention, it is to be clearly understood that various changes in details and arrangement of parts may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure.

lclaim:

l. A blank adapted to be formed into a generally tubular configuration comprising a sheet material member having opposite end panels provided with cooperative latching means, said latching means including primary and secondary latching tabs at one of said end panels and aperture means at the other of said end panels, said secondary latching tab having a transversely opening slot defining a transversely directed nose, said aperture means defines a shoulder in longitudinal alignment with said nose whereby upon the insertion of said secondary latching means through said aperture means said nose is in overlying engagement with said shoulder, said other end panel is joined to an adjacent side panel along a transverse fold line, and said shoulder is defined by material of said other end panel between said transverse fold line and said aperture means.

2. The blank as defined in claim ll wherein said aperture means includes a latching edge in longitudinal alignment with said primary latching tab, and said latching edge and primary latching tab are in transversely offset relationship with respect to said secondary latching tab whereby an unweakened area of said other end panel longitudinally inboard of said aperture means is provided for reinforcing said other and panel when said latching means are in the latched position thereof,

3. The blank as defined in claim 1 wherein said aperture means is disposed in spaced relationship to a first longitudinal edge and a transverse edge of said other end panel, and said aperture means includes an edge disposed at respective obtuse and acute angles to said respective first longitudinal and transverse edges and toward a second of said longitudinal edges.

4. The blank as defined in claim 1 wherein said nose is of a predetermined transverse dimension, said aperture means is of a transverse dimension at least equal to said predetermined transverse dimension, and said shoulder is positioned between transversely terminal ends of said aperture means.

5. The blank as defined in claim 1 wherein said aperture means includes a first edge coincident with said transverse fold line and a second edge disposed at an angle thereto, and said shoulder is defined by material of said blank bounded by said first and second edges.

6. The blank as defined in claim 5 wherein said aperture means includes a third edge coincident with said fold line and a fourth edge disposed at an angle thereto, and another shoulder is defined by material of said blank bounded by said third and fourth edges.

7. The blank as defined in claim 6 wherein said second and fourth edges are in converging relationship to each other in a direction toward a terminal transverse edge of said other end panel.

8. The blank as defined in claim 7 including a fifth edge extending between said second and fourth edges.

9. The blank as defined in claim 8 including sixth and seventh edges merging with said second and fourth edges respectively.

10. The blank as defined in claim 9 wherein said sixth and seventh edges are in diverging relationship to each other in a direction toward said terminal transverse edge of said other end panel.

11. The blank as defined in claim 10 including an eighth edge extending between said sixth and seventh edges and in spaced relationship to said fifth edge.

12. The blank as defined in claim 1 wherein said seconary latching tab includes another nose disposed at a side of said secondary latching tab opposite said first mentioned nose and projecting oppositely therefrom, and another shoulder defined by said aperture means in longitudinal alignment with said another nose.

13. The blank as defined in claim 1 including cooperative means defined by said aperture means and said secondary latching member for preventing transverse movement of said nose from its position in overlying relationship to said shoulder in the latched position of said cooperative latching means.

14. The blank as defined in claim 1 wherein said primary and secondary latching tabs are directed oppositely away from each other.

15. The blank as defined in coincident 1 wherein said aperture means includes a first edge coincident with said fold line and a second edge disposed at an angle thereto, and said shoulder is defined by material of said blank bounded by said second edge and a portion of said fold line.

16. The blank as defined in claim 1 wherein said aperture means includes transversely spaced first and third edges coincident with said fold line, second and fourth edges disposed at angles to said first and third edges respectively, said shoulder and another shoulder being defined by material of said blank bounded by said first and second, and third and fourth edges, respectively, and the adjacent portion of said fold line.

17. The blank as defined in claim 16 wherein said first through fourth edges in part define a centrally shallow generally W-shaped edge opening toward said terminal transverse edge.

18. A blank adapted to be formed into a generally tubular configuration comprising a sheet material member having opposite end panels provided with cooperative latching means, said latching means including primary and secondary latching tabs at one of said end panels and aperture means at the other of said end panels, said secondary latching tab having a transversely opening slot defining a transversely directed nose, said aperture means defines a shoulder in longitudinal alignment with said nose whereby upon the insertion of said secondary latching means through said aperture means said nose is in overlying engagement with said shoulder, said aperture means includes an edge of a predetermined transverse dimension having opposite terminal ends, said secondary latching tab likewise is of a transverse dimension substantially equal to said predetermined transverse dimension, said secondary latching tab having a longitudinal edge at a side thereof opposite said nose, said aperture means having a longitudinal edge opposite said shoulder, and said longitudinal edges being in longitudinal alignment whereby upon the insertion of said secondary latching means through said aperture means said longitudinal edges prevent transverse movement of said nose from its position in overlying relationship to said shoulder in the latched position of said cooperative latching means.

19. A carton comprising a generally tubular body having overlapped first and second end panels, an upstanding side panel joined to said second end panel along a transverse fold line, latching means defined by portions of said first and second end panels maintaining the same in latched overlapped relationship, said latching means including at least a secondary latching tab carried by said first end panel projecting through aperture means of said second end panel, said aperture means including edge means having opposite ends, a shoulder between said opposite ends inboard of said side panel internally of said tubular body and in the plane of said second end panel, said secondary latching tab having a slot defining a nose internally of said body, and said nose being in overlying relationship with said shoulder whereby said nose is precluded from being withdrawn outwardly of said aperture means.

20. The carton as defined in claim 19 wherein said secondary latching tab is disposed in upright relationship within said body immediately adjacent said side panel.

21. The carton as defined in claim 20 wherein said fold line is interrupted by said aperture means.

22. The carton as defined in claim 19 wherein said first end panel includes a primary latching tab, and said primary and secondary latching tabs are directed in opposite directions.

23. The carton as defined in claim 19 wherein said secondary latching tab includes another nose projecting in a direction opposite to that of said first-mentioned nose, another shoulder between said opposite ends, and said another nose being in overlying relationship to said another shoulder.

24. The carton as defined in claim 19 including cooperative means between said secondary latching means and said aperture means for preventing movement of said nose to a position beyond its overlying relationship to said shoulder.

25. The carton as defined in claim 24 wherein said movement preventing means is defined by an edge of said secondary latching means opposite said nose and an edge of said aperture means in opposed relationship.

26. The carton as defined in claim 19 wherein said shoulder is defined by a portion of said second end panel between a fold line interrupted by said aperture means and one of said opposite ends.

27. The carton as defined in claim 19 wherein an edge of said aperture means adjacent said shoulder defines a projecting portion of said side wall formed from the material of said first end panel which is in depending relationship thereto. 

1. A blank adapted to be formed into a generally tubular configuration comprising a sheet material member having opposite end panels provided with cooperative latching means, said latching means including primary and secondary latching tabs at one of said end panels and aperture means at the other of said end panels, said secondary latching tab having a transversely opening slot defining a transversely directed nose, said aperture means defines a shoulder in longitudinal alignment with said nose whereby upon the insertion of said secondary latching means through said aperture means said nose is in overlying engagement with said shoulder, said other end panel is joined to an adjacent side panel along a transverse fold line, and said shoulder is defined by material of said other end panel between said transverse fold line and said aperture means.
 2. The blank as defined in claim 1 wherein said aperture means includes a latching edge in longitudinal alignment with said primary latching tab, and said latching edge and primary latching tab are in transversely offset relationship with respect to said secondary latching tab whereby an unweakened area of said other end panel longitudinally inboard of said aperture means is provided for reinforcing said other end panel when said latching means are in the latched position thereof.
 3. The blank as defined in claim 1 wherein said aperture means is disposed in spaced relationship to a first longitudinal edge and a transverse edge of said other end panel, and said aperture means includes an edge disposed at respective obtuse and acute angles to said respective first longitudinal and transverse edges and toward a second of said longitudinal edges.
 4. The blank as defined in claim 1 wherein said nose is of a predetermined transverse dimension, said aperture means is of a transverse dimension at least equal to said predetermined transverse dimension, and said shoulder is positioned between transversely terminal ends of said aperture means.
 5. The blank as defined in claim 1 wherein said aperture means includes a first edge coincident with said transverse fold line and a second edge disposed at an angle thereto, and said shoulder is defined by material of said blank bounded by said first and second edges.
 6. The blank as defined in claim 5 wherein said aperture means includes a third edge coincident with said fold line and a fourth edge disposed at an angle thereto, and another shoulder is defined by material of said blank bounded by said third and fourth edges.
 7. The blank as defined in claim 6 wherein said second and fourth edges are in converging relationship to each other in a direction toward a terminal transverse edge of said other end panel.
 8. The blank as defined in claim 7 including a fifth edge extending between said second and fourth edges.
 9. The blank as defined in claim 8 including sixth and seventh edges merging with said second and fourth edges respectively.
 10. The blank as defined in claim 9 wherein said sixth and seventh edges are in diverging relationship to each other in a direction toward said terminal transverse edge of said other end panel.
 11. The blank as defined in claim 10 including an eighth edge extending between said sixth and seventh edges and in spaCed relationship to said fifth edge.
 12. The blank as defined in claim 1 wherein said seconary latching tab includes another nose disposed at a side of said secondary latching tab opposite said first mentioned nose and projecting oppositely therefrom, and another shoulder defined by said aperture means in longitudinal alignment with said another nose.
 13. The blank as defined in claim 1 including cooperative means defined by said aperture means and said secondary latching member for preventing transverse movement of said nose from its position in overlying relationship to said shoulder in the latched position of said cooperative latching means.
 14. The blank as defined in claim 1 wherein said primary and secondary latching tabs are directed oppositely away from each other.
 15. The blank as defined in coincident 1 wherein said aperture means includes a first edge coincident with said fold line and a second edge disposed at an angle thereto, and said shoulder is defined by material of said blank bounded by said second edge and a portion of said fold line.
 16. The blank as defined in claim 1 wherein said aperture means includes transversely spaced first and third edges coincident with said fold line, second and fourth edges disposed at angles to said first and third edges respectively, said shoulder and another shoulder being defined by material of said blank bounded by said first and second, and third and fourth edges, respectively, and the adjacent portion of said fold line.
 17. The blank as defined in claim 16 wherein said first through fourth edges in part define a centrally shallow generally W-shaped edge opening toward said terminal transverse edge.
 18. A blank adapted to be formed into a generally tubular configuration comprising a sheet material member having opposite end panels provided with cooperative latching means, said latching means including primary and secondary latching tabs at one of said end panels and aperture means at the other of said end panels, said secondary latching tab having a transversely opening slot defining a transversely directed nose, said aperture means defines a shoulder in longitudinal alignment with said nose whereby upon the insertion of said secondary latching means through said aperture means said nose is in overlying engagement with said shoulder, said aperture means includes an edge of a predetermined transverse dimension having opposite terminal ends, said secondary latching tab likewise is of a transverse dimension substantially equal to said predetermined transverse dimension, said secondary latching tab having a longitudinal edge at a side thereof opposite said nose, said aperture means having a longitudinal edge opposite said shoulder, and said longitudinal edges being in longitudinal alignment whereby upon the insertion of said secondary latching means through said aperture means said longitudinal edges prevent transverse movement of said nose from its position in overlying relationship to said shoulder in the latched position of said cooperative latching means.
 19. A carton comprising a generally tubular body having overlapped first and second end panels, an upstanding side panel joined to said second end panel along a transverse fold line, latching means defined by portions of said first and second end panels maintaining the same in latched overlapped relationship, said latching means including at least a secondary latching tab carried by said first end panel projecting through aperture means of said second end panel, said aperture means including edge means having opposite ends, a shoulder between said opposite ends inboard of said side panel internally of said tubular body and in the plane of said second end panel, said secondary latching tab having a slot defining a nose internally of said body, and said nose being in overlying relationship with said shoulder whereby said nose is precluded from being withdrawn outwardly of said aperture means.
 20. The carton as defined in claim 19 wherein said sEcondary latching tab is disposed in upright relationship within said body immediately adjacent said side panel.
 21. The carton as defined in claim 20 wherein said fold line is interrupted by said aperture means.
 22. The carton as defined in claim 19 wherein said first end panel includes a primary latching tab, and said primary and secondary latching tabs are directed in opposite directions.
 23. The carton as defined in claim 19 wherein said secondary latching tab includes another nose projecting in a direction opposite to that of said first-mentioned nose, another shoulder between said opposite ends, and said another nose being in overlying relationship to said another shoulder.
 24. The carton as defined in claim 19 including cooperative means between said secondary latching means and said aperture means for preventing movement of said nose to a position beyond its overlying relationship to said shoulder.
 25. The carton as defined in claim 24 wherein said movement preventing means is defined by an edge of said secondary latching means opposite said nose and an edge of said aperture means in opposed relationship.
 26. The carton as defined in claim 19 wherein said shoulder is defined by a portion of said second end panel between a fold line interrupted by said aperture means and one of said opposite ends.
 27. The carton as defined in claim 19 wherein an edge of said aperture means adjacent said shoulder defines a projecting portion of said side wall formed from the material of said first end panel which is in depending relationship thereto. 